Zenkichi opens new winter garden
Friends Shaul and Motoko opened Japaense brasserie Zenkichi two years ago in Williamsburg. The maze-like, dimly lit interior and unintrusive service (you have to press a button to call the waiter) make it the perfect spot for a date and the seasonal, chef’s choice Omakase menu is a great introduction to traditional Japanese cuisine. That means no sushi.
The other night they held a private party to celebrate the opening of the winter garden, a glass-roofed outdoor area with additional private seating. That tree in the right of the shot is still there, incorporated right into the space. I can imagine sitting in one of the private booths when it’s snowing, sipping sake with friends.
Favorites of what they served? The dessert sake, I believe either the Taiheizan Tenko Junmai
Daiginjo or the Born Ginsen Junmai Daiginjo, was delicious, as was the unfiltered, cloudy Dassai Nigori Ginjo. The sweet duck salad and miso black cod were delicious, and although I wasn’t sure about the texture at first, I went back for seconds (and thirds) of the Banana Bavarois dessert, a brownie-like base with carmelized bananas and some other delicious stuff on top.
Photos | Noah Kalina
